Tales of the USS Bluefin - 8: "Stand-off!"
- Thread starter TheLoneRedshirt
- Start date
Airlock, airlock, my sanity for an airlock 
This guy has a whole bloody forest up his ass, not just a stick
This guy has a whole bloody forest up his ass, not just a stick
Very nice. I'm looking forward to see where this is going. I have 2 petty complaints, though. You sometimes use old-fashioned, anachronistic details when depicting non-Anglosaxon humans. This time it's Captain Rodenko calling Akinola tovarishch. Even though it means comrade it is a form of address used during Communism and tainted now, due to that. It's not used anymore and I highly doubt someone in the 24th century would use it.
I also think it's a bit of a cliché having Inga Strauss's drink of choice be Schnaps (or schnapps). It's maily old men who drink that here nowadays, and all women I know (myself included) prefer cocktails, long drinks, beer or wine.
Just my opinion, I still enjoy reading your stories very much but those things sometimes yank me out of the story.
I also think it's a bit of a cliché having Inga Strauss's drink of choice be Schnaps (or schnapps). It's maily old men who drink that here nowadays, and all women I know (myself included) prefer cocktails, long drinks, beer or wine.
Just my opinion, I still enjoy reading your stories very much but those things sometimes yank me out of the story.
Well.... Isn't the Federation some sort of Communist society? Anyway, what I meant to say is that "comrade" isn't a traditional Russian form of address, it was only used during Communism and isn't used anymore so I doubt it would be used in the 24th century.
I take your point about Inga and the Schnapps. However, she is very much a "daddy's girl," emulating her late father, Captain Dieter Strauss. Dieter was something of an anachronism and enjoyed his Schnapps. While Inga usually prefers wine or tea, she often drinks Schnapps in honor and memory of her father.
As to Rodenko using tovarishch, the term means more than simply "comrade." It is also used between close friends. Some customs are cyclical - whose to say that what is en vogue in the early 21st century will be true in the late 24th? We may yet see a neo-Victorian fop wearing spats, a boater and sporting a handlebar mustache!
Gee, I wonder why no one likes Captain D'Angelo?
As to Rodenko using tovarishch, the term means more than simply "comrade." It is also used between close friends. Some customs are cyclical - whose to say that what is en vogue in the early 21st century will be true in the late 24th? We may yet see a neo-Victorian fop wearing spats, a boater and sporting a handlebar mustache!
Gee, I wonder why no one likes Captain D'Angelo?
I kind of like him. 
Thanks for the explanations.
Thanks for the explanations.
That guy reminds me of someone...can't place it though. Hmmm.
RobertScorpio
Pariah
Yes..I agree. Again, another well written episode here Mr. Bloodshirt!. This run of yours is one of my guilty pleasures here!!
Rob
Scorpio
So...Maria and Akinola have a history of service together...verrrry interesting...
Regarding use of tovarisch--expressions and fads do go in and out of fashion--miniskirts, for instance...
I don't think D'Angelo's necessarily a bad man--he's just a rookie captain--and he's making the mistakes a rookie makes. Hopefully, in time he'll find his feet--provided he doesn't screw the pooch before he gets a chance.
Regarding use of tovarisch--expressions and fads do go in and out of fashion--miniskirts, for instance...
I don't think D'Angelo's necessarily a bad man--he's just a rookie captain--and he's making the mistakes a rookie makes. Hopefully, in time he'll find his feet--provided he doesn't screw the pooch before he gets a chance.
Sorry, but I can't see him mellowing like your "Iceman." This guy was cloned from the Starfleet regs book, and I don't see a good end for him, but Maria deserves a command of her own and I'm sure that Akinola will overlook the fact that it's a Sequoia
Oh you never know D'Angelo has said once things are shipshape then they can timetable the fun. Plus he showed flexibility and allowed Maria to 'mingle'. He's probably just a little bit shy ... that's all.
Actually it is refreshen to see a character like him in the border service. It also helps to remind the growth characters can make - we're seeing him brand new remember - as mentioned there's the Iceman example but also Akinola did haul Inga aside in the first story to ask her about what approach was she taking to serving in the border dogs.
And of course, as with any Bluefin story, there's bound to be a steep learning curve for all concerned.
Actually it is refreshen to see a character like him in the border service. It also helps to remind the growth characters can make - we're seeing him brand new remember - as mentioned there's the Iceman example but also Akinola did haul Inga aside in the first story to ask her about what approach was she taking to serving in the border dogs.
And of course, as with any Bluefin story, there's bound to be a steep learning curve for all concerned.
There are (intentional) similarities between Captain D'Angelo and DavidFalkayn's Captain Hobson (the original "Ice-man"). I've modeled D'Angelo's reserved manner on Hobson.
But there are important differences, too. Hobson is older and more seasoned than D'Angelo. Plus, D'Angelo finds himself as a green commander on a brand-new, controversial ship in completely unfamiliar (to him) territory. He also is dealing with the realization that he is a pawn in Admiral Bouvier's political machinations.
So . . . is D'Angelo a rude jerk? A nervous newbie? A spineless pawn? Or simply a young work in progress? To be honest, I haven't decided yet!
But there are important differences, too. Hobson is older and more seasoned than D'Angelo. Plus, D'Angelo finds himself as a green commander on a brand-new, controversial ship in completely unfamiliar (to him) territory. He also is dealing with the realization that he is a pawn in Admiral Bouvier's political machinations.
So . . . is D'Angelo a rude jerk? A nervous newbie? A spineless pawn? Or simply a young work in progress? To be honest, I haven't decided yet!
Yeah, Hobson's got more than his share of battle scars--and he's made his share of screwups and learned from them. Also, Hobby's got a rather...dry and wry...sense of humor that occasionally pops out--usually when you least expect it. Another thing to remember about Hobby too is that he had several years on that madhouse called the Sutherland to mellow him out a bit--after catching your captain in the middle of a holodeck Roman orgy nothing phases you!
Maybe D'Angelo will learn--maybe not--but however it ends up, it'll be fun watching...
Maybe D'Angelo will learn--maybe not--but however it ends up, it'll be fun watching...
Chapter Four
Stardate 54243.9 (30 March 2377)
Star Station Echo - Reception Room 2
Shortly after 2100 hours, the gathering of captains and executive officers began to break up and the throng began making their way back to their various cutters, tenders and warp-tugs.
Akinola was still chuckling at a joke told by Captain F'Sheel of the warp tug, Ouachita, when he felt a tug on his elbow. He turned his head to see a smiling Morgan Bateson.
Excuse me, Captains. Joseph, when you have a moment, there's something I need to discuss with you. Just come on down to my office when you can.
"Sure thing, Admiral," replied Akinola.
Five minutes later, Akinola had sent Commander Strauss on back to the Bluefin and he entered Bateson's office. The Admiral was retrieving a mug of coffee from the replicator.
"Want some?" asked Bateson, gesturing to the mug.
Akinola shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm going to hit the rack when I get back to the ship. What's up?"
Bateson indicated for Akinola to take a seat, while the Admiral leaned back in his desk chair.
"I take it you met Captain D'Angelo, this evening?" queried Bateson.
"Briefly. Not very talkative, is he?"
Bateson smirked. "That's an understatement. To be honest, I thought he was rude. Normally, I would have called him on it, but I learned something about him earlier today that might explain his standoffish behavior."
"Oh?"
"I was checking his personnel jacket - pretty impressive to be honest. Number four in his class at the academy, consistently excellent fitness reports, except for the "tends to be a loner' parts. Captain Hultree of the Potemkin said he was, and I quote, 'the best damn first officer I've ever had."
"But?" prodded Akinola.
"But . . . there was a confidential section limited to flag rank and above. Of course, my natural curiosity got the best of me, so I waved my hand, uttered the magic command code, and presto - I'm in the inner sanctum!"
Akinola suppressed a grin. Obviously, Bateson had imbibed a bit more than normal tonight. He wasn't drunk, exactly, but he tended to get overly dramatic when he'd had one too many.
"I'm very impressed that the Admiral knows how to open a confidential file, but I'm pretty tired. You were going to tell me why you gave D'Angelo a break?" said Akinola.
Bateson snorted. "I'm coming to that, Joseph! And also why I want you to take him under your wing when you go out on patrol." He held his hand up as Akinola opened his mouth to speak.
"Just hear me out, Joseph - I'm getting to the point. When I opened the confidential section, I discovered something very surprising - do you know who his father is?"
"You?" ventured Akinola with a straight face.
Bateson guffawed. "No, but nice try, Captain. D'Angelo's father is Gavin Cunningham."
Akinola's jaw nearly dropped. "You're kidding! The same Cunningham that surrendered his ship during the first Cardassian war without firing a shot?"
Bateson nodded gravely. "The same. Captain D'Angelo has done everything he can to distance himself from his disgraced father, even taking his mother's last name. The counselor's fitness report found nothing to disqualify him from command, but he has a tendency to drive himself hard. Maybe too hard. That can have an adverse affect on his crew."
"Wow," mused Akinola, "I can see how that might put a chip on his shoulder! But why are you telling me this?"
"It's not common knowledge, Joseph, and I want it to stay confidential. I felt like you needed to know since I intend to pair the Sequoia with the Bluefin for a few weeks. Work with them on how we do the routine stuff and let's see how that new ship handles the badlands."
Akinola nodded. "No problem here, Morgan. But how is our young Captain going to take it? I doubt he's going to like having his hand held."
Bateson grimaced. "No, I don't think he will either. But that's my problem. I'll deal with Captain D'Angelo. One other thing." Bateson paused, considering his words.
"Sir?"
"I have a strong, gut-feeling that Admiral Bouvier has assigned Sequoia and Captain D'Angelo to our squadron as part of her personal agenda. It's no secret that she wants to 'modernize' the Border Service. But I'm afraid her idea of 'modernization' has nothing to do with improving our effectiveness."
"With respect, sir, that stuff is way above my pay grade," observed Akinola.
The Admiral sighed. "Yes, that's true. But anything you can do to help Captain D'Angelo 'get with the program' would be appreciated."
"I'll do what I can."
Bateson smiled. "That's all I can ask. Now, get out of here - I still have reports to read."
* * *
Stardate 54244.4 (31 March 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04339
Twenty seven Neo-Maquis operatives counted down the hours until the moment arrived for them to take over the star-liner. Ten were actual members of the crew, while the other seventeen were passengers. All had accomplished their respective preliminary tasks. Internal sensors were hacked, external communications could be cut at a moment's notice, and pre-planted and secreted weapons were at the ready. The planning and preparation of three years was about to bear fruit.
Unlike earlier incarnations of the Maquis, this group had no compunctions regarding killing. To them, the objective was everything. If 'civilians' were hurt or killed, well, that was just too bad, wasn't it?
Steward 2nd class Kenda Byress, assembled the Klingon disruptor pistol for the last time. He took the serving tray from his cot, placed the disruptor under the lid, then covered that with a white, linen cloth.
Hoisting the tray of 'food,' Byress exited his cabin and began to make his way toward the bridge.
* * *
Stardate 54243.9 (30 March 2377)
Star Station Echo - Reception Room 2
Shortly after 2100 hours, the gathering of captains and executive officers began to break up and the throng began making their way back to their various cutters, tenders and warp-tugs.
Akinola was still chuckling at a joke told by Captain F'Sheel of the warp tug, Ouachita, when he felt a tug on his elbow. He turned his head to see a smiling Morgan Bateson.
Excuse me, Captains. Joseph, when you have a moment, there's something I need to discuss with you. Just come on down to my office when you can.
"Sure thing, Admiral," replied Akinola.
Five minutes later, Akinola had sent Commander Strauss on back to the Bluefin and he entered Bateson's office. The Admiral was retrieving a mug of coffee from the replicator.
"Want some?" asked Bateson, gesturing to the mug.
Akinola shook his head. "No, thanks. I'm going to hit the rack when I get back to the ship. What's up?"
Bateson indicated for Akinola to take a seat, while the Admiral leaned back in his desk chair.
"I take it you met Captain D'Angelo, this evening?" queried Bateson.
"Briefly. Not very talkative, is he?"
Bateson smirked. "That's an understatement. To be honest, I thought he was rude. Normally, I would have called him on it, but I learned something about him earlier today that might explain his standoffish behavior."
"Oh?"
"I was checking his personnel jacket - pretty impressive to be honest. Number four in his class at the academy, consistently excellent fitness reports, except for the "tends to be a loner' parts. Captain Hultree of the Potemkin said he was, and I quote, 'the best damn first officer I've ever had."
"But?" prodded Akinola.
"But . . . there was a confidential section limited to flag rank and above. Of course, my natural curiosity got the best of me, so I waved my hand, uttered the magic command code, and presto - I'm in the inner sanctum!"
Akinola suppressed a grin. Obviously, Bateson had imbibed a bit more than normal tonight. He wasn't drunk, exactly, but he tended to get overly dramatic when he'd had one too many.
"I'm very impressed that the Admiral knows how to open a confidential file, but I'm pretty tired. You were going to tell me why you gave D'Angelo a break?" said Akinola.
Bateson snorted. "I'm coming to that, Joseph! And also why I want you to take him under your wing when you go out on patrol." He held his hand up as Akinola opened his mouth to speak.
"Just hear me out, Joseph - I'm getting to the point. When I opened the confidential section, I discovered something very surprising - do you know who his father is?"
"You?" ventured Akinola with a straight face.
Bateson guffawed. "No, but nice try, Captain. D'Angelo's father is Gavin Cunningham."
Akinola's jaw nearly dropped. "You're kidding! The same Cunningham that surrendered his ship during the first Cardassian war without firing a shot?"
Bateson nodded gravely. "The same. Captain D'Angelo has done everything he can to distance himself from his disgraced father, even taking his mother's last name. The counselor's fitness report found nothing to disqualify him from command, but he has a tendency to drive himself hard. Maybe too hard. That can have an adverse affect on his crew."
"Wow," mused Akinola, "I can see how that might put a chip on his shoulder! But why are you telling me this?"
"It's not common knowledge, Joseph, and I want it to stay confidential. I felt like you needed to know since I intend to pair the Sequoia with the Bluefin for a few weeks. Work with them on how we do the routine stuff and let's see how that new ship handles the badlands."
Akinola nodded. "No problem here, Morgan. But how is our young Captain going to take it? I doubt he's going to like having his hand held."
Bateson grimaced. "No, I don't think he will either. But that's my problem. I'll deal with Captain D'Angelo. One other thing." Bateson paused, considering his words.
"Sir?"
"I have a strong, gut-feeling that Admiral Bouvier has assigned Sequoia and Captain D'Angelo to our squadron as part of her personal agenda. It's no secret that she wants to 'modernize' the Border Service. But I'm afraid her idea of 'modernization' has nothing to do with improving our effectiveness."
"With respect, sir, that stuff is way above my pay grade," observed Akinola.
The Admiral sighed. "Yes, that's true. But anything you can do to help Captain D'Angelo 'get with the program' would be appreciated."
"I'll do what I can."
Bateson smiled. "That's all I can ask. Now, get out of here - I still have reports to read."
* * *
Stardate 54244.4 (31 March 2377)
SS Queen Elizabeth VII
Sector 04339
Twenty seven Neo-Maquis operatives counted down the hours until the moment arrived for them to take over the star-liner. Ten were actual members of the crew, while the other seventeen were passengers. All had accomplished their respective preliminary tasks. Internal sensors were hacked, external communications could be cut at a moment's notice, and pre-planted and secreted weapons were at the ready. The planning and preparation of three years was about to bear fruit.
Unlike earlier incarnations of the Maquis, this group had no compunctions regarding killing. To them, the objective was everything. If 'civilians' were hurt or killed, well, that was just too bad, wasn't it?
Steward 2nd class Kenda Byress, assembled the Klingon disruptor pistol for the last time. He took the serving tray from his cot, placed the disruptor under the lid, then covered that with a white, linen cloth.
Hoisting the tray of 'food,' Byress exited his cabin and began to make his way toward the bridge.
* * *
hee hee! So funny.Poor Akinola gets to do some hand holding. Bet it does not go over well with D'Angelo or the crew of the Bluefin for that matter.
D'Angelo's parentage might very well explain his hard riven nature and is very likely to cause him some trouble if he cannot learn to let go rather than try to hide from it.
The Neo Maquis sound very threatening and their lack of compunction to causing collateral damage makes them a sinister and very real threat - not likely to be talked down or to stall on causing death and destruction.
Looking forward to more - MUCH more!
I wonder if a certain shape-shifting captain has been subtly altering events.
We found the stick, didn't we? 
Nice insight into D'Angelo's personality.
These Neo-Maquis are understandably more pissed than the original, IMHO. To go through the Dominion War and then have the Federation revert to the 2370 treaty border would certainly be enough to piss me off.
Nice insight into D'Angelo's personality. These Neo-Maquis are understandably more pissed than the original, IMHO. To go through the Dominion War and then have the Federation revert to the 2370 treaty border would certainly be enough to piss me off.
This does provide an understanding of why D'Angelo is the way he is--it also gives Bouvier a powerful hold over him--"You wouldn't have this captaincy if it wasn't for me, so if you don't do as I tell you to, you'll be flying a desk in a basement office on Pluto."
The Neo-Maquis are also very good villains--I have a feeling things are going to get very ugly here soon.
The Neo-Maquis are also very good villains--I have a feeling things are going to get very ugly here soon.
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